Development Approach
The draft approach to development of Open Space and Green Infrastructure targets numerous areas and large numbers of projects with greenways/cycle ways and river/stream walks being proposed in large numbers. This approach is admirable but is it the most prudent and best use of the limited funds available for such projects. The analysis of these proposals should consider some key criteria how regularly are these new proposed walkways etc some of which appear piecemeal going to be used and what type of footfall is expected. Is the net being spread too wide, is there a budget in place to ensure the on going maintence and where required supervision of these proposed facilities.
Should the revised CCDP be more targeted and focus on picking a small number of these proposals and targeting the best projects along with a programme focused on the existing parks and open space across the city of which many have specific issues that if addressed could improve their attractiveness and the level of use by local residents and city dwellers in general.
The other key point in relation to Green Infrastructure- the increased cycle lanes and establishment of pedestrian areas shows great progress. However, the focus of these areas has been in the city core. The improvement/provision of cycle lanes and improved safer access for pedestrains should also be looked at in established Residential Neighbourhoods particularly those based on old street patterns closer to the city core which are being dominated by increasing numbers of traffic using their streets for shortcuts at high speeds. This trend is eroding the development of strong community neighbourhoods in these areas and is something that needs to be addressed.
The Lough
The Lough is a case point. This is one of Cork City's most renowed parks and open spaces. However, there have been little or no attempts in recent CCDP's to look at how this historic park could be enhanced or improved. It is critical in a time when the importance of active recreation and open space areas in urban areas is increasingly recognised as a key component in a healthy lifestyle and good quality of life. This park is also in greater demand with an increasing local population.
Problems
Poor Green Infrastructure- for a landmark park and open space area, there is an absence of cycle lanes and poor pedestrian access to the Lough from key centres such as Cork City Centre and UCC. There should be clear cycle lanes and quality walkways to this park from these centres and indeed for local residents.
The landscape is dominated by traffic with high volumes of traffic travelling at speed along all approaches to the Lough but particulary along the Lough Road and Hartland's Avenue. It is clear that neither of these roads are suitable for the volumes of traffic which use them and certainly not appropriate for the speeds the traffic travels at. These are both established residential streets along long straight stretches of road which combined with on street parking results in a hazardous environment for local residents as traffic flys by trying to get into lay bys to let the oncoming traffic past etc.
This is a safety concern and deterimental to enjoyment of these areas by residents and visitors to the Lough a like. There are also bends along Hartlands Avenue and The Lough Road which are a traffic hazard and need to be dealt with. Along the Lough Road the narrow/windy stretch of road on th approach from the Lough to the Lough Church is simply not suitable for 2 lanes of traffic, with vehicles frequently mounting the footpaths to pass each other. This ultimately leads to a very blind junction at the Lough Church. This narrow stretch of road needs to be addressed.
On Hartlands Avenue on the approach to the Lough as you come close to the Hawthorn Bar the combination of on-street parking and deliveries makes this a very blind and dangerous corner.
Potential Solutions
Enhancements are required at the Lough, the Lough Road and at Hartlands Avenue.
A simple and effective solution would be to reduce traffic on the Lough Road and Hartlands Avenue to a one-way system with subtle traffic calming measures in place. This would provide a safer and more tranquil environment for local residents and also for visitors to the Lough. This would also present numerous opportunities for Cork City Council in the area as the reduction to single lane trafffic would free up the other lane on Hartlands Avenue and indeed at the Lough Road- both of which run along the southern and eastern boundaries of the Lough Park respectively.
This would provide space and opportunities for cycle lanes, walkways, running tracks and increased tree planting in an urban area. This would be a great opportunity to increase connectivity to the Lough and would be a opportunity for Cork City Council to improve the Green Infrastructure in this part of the city and biodiversity etc through increased planting.
This would also greatly enhance these neighbourhoods for local residents and allow local residents to interact more with the local community on the streets in front of their homes in a safe manner. This is what was envisaged when these neighbourhoods were developed. Since then they have been taken over by traffic and local residents do not interact at the front of their properties and are afraid to let their children out due to the hazardous speed and volumes of traffic.
This reduction to a one way traffic system on these roads surrounding the Lough would increase the space available along the southern and eastern boundaries of the Lough. This is something that is badly needed with ever increasing numbers using the park. There is evident over-crowding and a struggle to accommodate the volume of walkers/runners/cyclists along the limited pathways around the Lough particulary at peak times. The reduction to a single lane of traffic would free up space to separate walkers/runners and cyclists in this area around the Lough.
This would also allow for more tree planting opportunities along the approach roads to the Lough and indeed at the Lough. Tree lined roads along the approach and at the Lough would provide a better habitat for the wildlife and also a more relaxing/tranquil space for visitors.
These types of measures could make the Lough a real feature area in the city.
Conclusion
There is a great opportunity here for Cork City Council to achieve a number of the objectives in their City Development Plan such as improved Green Transport, Improved Bio-diversity, Increased Tree Planting, Improved and Enchanced Open Space and Active Areas. It is also an opportunity to enhance and improve a historic park in the centre of Cork City which is being used by ever increasing numbers.
It is a chance to deal with the on going traffic issues in this residential area in a safe, positive and practical manner (one way traffic system with traffic calming measures). It is time to restore this neighbourhood to a vibrant community where traffic is secondary to the needs and safety of the local community and where the better links are provided between the community, the city and this historic local park.